The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Only the most general side effects are included, so ask your doctor if you need to take any special precautions. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

There are no medications available to cure or halt the progression of scleroderma. Scleroderma is treated on a symptom-by-symptom basis.

Over-the-counter Medications

Prescription Medications

Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

Common names include:

D-penicillamine
(Cuprimine, Depen)

Hydroxychloroquine
(Plaquenil)

Methotrexate
(Rheumtrex)

Cyclophosphamide
(Cytoxan)

Cyclosporine

Imitanib Mesylate (Gleevec)

Dasatanib

These drugs are given in an effort to slow or halt the progression of scleroderma. While research has yet to prove that these drugs can actual modify scleroderma’s course, they are often given anyway. They are all immunosuppressive agents. Because scleroderma is believed to be caused (at least in part) by an overactive immune system, it is hoped that calming the immune system’s activity will slow scleroderma’s progress.

D-penicillamine is thought to decrease collagen production, and therefore is given to reduce or slow skin hardening. Methotrexate may help decrease joint swelling, pain, and inflammation. Cyclophosphamide may reduce inflammation in the lungs.

Calcium-channel blockers can reduce the symptoms of
Raynaud’s phenomenon
by relaxing blood vessels. This allows better blood circulation through the fingers, toes, and tip of nose. When exposed to cold, you’ll have less trouble with skin blanching and less numbness and tingling. Use of calcium-channel blockers can reduce the chance of developing sores or ulcers on your fingertips.

Calcium-channel blockers may also be given to treat high blood pressure.

Possible side effects include:

Low blood pressure

Constipation

Nausea

Dizziness

Headache

Swelling due to fluid retention

Difficulty swallowing

Vasodilators

Common names include:

Epoprostenol
(Iloprost)

Sildenafil
(Bosentan)

These medications are used to treat refractory Raynauds Phenomenon and to heal digital ulcerations. They are also used to treat pulmonary hypertension associated with scleroderma.

Possible side effects include:

Life threatening pulmonary artery pressure changes

Liver damage

Blood pressure changes

Blood Pressure Medications

Common names include:

Captopril
(Capoten)

Enalapril
(Vasotec)

Lisinopril
(Prinivil, Zestril)

Quinapril
(Accupril)

Nifedipine
(Procardia, Adalat)

Diltiazem
(Cardizem, Dilacor XR)

Verapamil
(Calan, Isoptin)

Nicardipine
(Cardene)

Bepridil (Vascor)

Isradipine
(DynaCirc)

Amlodipine
(Norvasc)

Nisoldipine
(Sular)

Nimodipine
(Nimotop)

Clonidine
(Catapres)

Prazosin
(Minipress)

Blood pressure medications are given to lower high blood pressure.

Possible side effects include:

Low blood pressure

Skin rash

Dry mouth

Cough

Dizziness

Diarrhea or constipation

Antibiotics

Common names include:

Tetracycline

Ampicillin

Metronidazole
(Flagyl)

Clarithromycin
(Biaxin)

Azithromycin
(Zithromax)

Vancomycin

Antibiotics may be given to help treat the diarrhea of scleroderma, which is often caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.

Special precautions for antibiotics include the following:

Take tetracycline with food to avoid stomach upset.

Wait two hours between taking antacids or milk and taking a dose of tetracycline.

Take ampicillin on an empty stomach.

Avoid alcohol while using metronidazole.

Possible side effects include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Antibiotic allergic reaction

Increased sun sensitivity

Children given tetracycline may develop permanent tooth discoloration

H-2 Blockers

Common names include:

Cimetidine
(Tagamet)

Ranitidine
(Zantac)

Famotidine
(Pepcid)

Nizatidine
(Axid)

H-2 blockers help decrease acid production in the stomach. They may be given to help with
heartburn
, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing.

Possible side effects include:

Dizziness

Confusion (cimetidine, especially in the elderly)

Headache

Diarrhea

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Common names include:

Omeprazole
(Prilosec)

Lansoprazole
(Prevacid)

Proton pump inhibitors decrease acid production in the stomach. They may be given to help with heartburn, indigestion, and difficulty swallowing.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

DISCLAIMER: This information is intended for educational purposes. EBSCO is in no way liable for the use of this information and makes no warranty or guarantee as to its accuracy.